TREASURY

HM Revenue and Customs - Discussion Document

David Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs is publishing today a discussion document on pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) pooling. Its purpose is to consult on HMRC’s proposals to alter the PAYE system to give closely connected employers the option of being treated as a single entity for PAYE purposes (PAYE pooling).
	The discussion document is available on the HM Revenue and Customs website at: http:// www.hmrc.gov.uk/consultations/.

PRIME MINISTER

The Cabinet Manual

David Cameron: The Government have published today “The Cabinet Manual” on the Cabinet Office website: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cabinet-manual.
	“The Cabinet Manual” is intended to be a source of information on the UK’s laws, conventions and rules that affect the operation and procedures of Government.
	A summary of responses received on the “Draft Cabinet Manual”, which was published in December 2010, and a Government response to the reports of the House of Lords Constitution Committee, Political and
	Constitutional Reform Committee and Public Administration Select Committee (Cm 8213) on “The Cabinet Manual” have also been published on the Cabinet Office website.
	Copies of all documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and also in the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office.

TRANSPORT

National Policy Statement (Ports)

Michael Penning: Having considered consultation responses and the report of the previous Select Committee on Transport, I am today laying before Parliament the national policy statement for ports in England and Wales, pursuant to section 5(9)(b) of the Planning Act 2008, together with the Government’s response to the Committee.
	I am also publishing, on the Department’s website, a written response to the consultation and an updated version of the appraisal of sustainability that had been published as part of the consultation process.
	The ports industry is a vital contributor to this country’s economic recovery and success. Well over 90% of trade by tonnage passes through sea ports, and so the importance of a clear planning framework for their future sustainable development can hardly be overstated.
	The NPS gives full prominence to the importance of development in sympathy with the environment, while also stressing the national need for developers’ commercial judgments to be respected in what continues to be a successful, market-oriented and responsible sector.
	It has been agreed with the House that the same procedure as proposed in the Localism Bill will be followed for the NPS. The Secretary of State intends to designate the NPS after a period of 21 sitting days has elapsed, or following a debate in the House of Commons if the House wishes one, and approves the NPS, within that period.